BBC在线收听下载:古巴将派遣医护人员前往西非对抗埃博拉

短语讲解：

1. At the end of a two-week synod, the Vatican failed to get the required 2/3 majority of bishops to back his views on these issues.

at the end of 在…结尾，在…末端
例句：At the end of the concert, the audience stood and clapped. 
音乐会结束时，观众起立鼓掌。 

2. But at least no doubt that the Church totally refuses to recognize the validity of same-sex marriages.

at least 至少
例句：At least that's the theory.
至少理论上是这样。

3. An officials said more than 20 trekkers were still stranded in the Thorung La Pass at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters.

more than 不只是; 很; 超过; 在…次以上
例句：It never takes more than an hour. 
所用的时间从不超过一小时. 

4. For those who were still unaccounted for, it's possible that they are still up in the mountains safe but out of contact where there of course is no mobile or internet coverage because that's one of the reasons why people go up there in the first place.

out of contact 脱离
例句：How long we been out of contact?
我们失去联系多久了？

5. He said Cuba was ready to cooperate with the United States in the interests of global peace.

be ready to 预备，即将
例句：Be ready to discuss these issues.
你都要做好谈论这些事项的准备。
cooperate with 与（某人）协作， 合作
例句：Hearing your introduction, we really have the interest to cooperate with you.
听了您的介绍，我们很有兴趣和贵方合作。

6. He was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading not guilty to the crime.

be sentenced to 被判处……
例句：Why can't they be sentenced to death in accordance with the criminal law?
为什么不可以按刑法规定判死刑？

7. He was not expected to testify as he denied any involvement in A. D.'s death.

be expected to 被期待做某事; 有望做某事; 期许
例句：That could hardly be expected to last.
这很难预计将持续多久。

8. Reports suggested that the state consulted with him but had not lined him up as a witness due to his poor state of health.

due to 欠下债[账]，应给予; 由于
例句：The next round is due to start on november 9th.
下一轮会谈定于11月9日举行。